Manchester United's David de Gea and Juan Mata relax with table tennis in Dubai

The squad are in the UAE for some warm weather training - football that is

Powered by automated translation

"If any players think it's a holiday, they're wrong." Strong words from Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of the club's trip to Dubai.

But footballers can't train all day long and need to rest the legs and mind without going stir crazy.

And by the looks of it, United's squad are having a good time since touching down in the UAE.

Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera posted a video of fellow Spaniards David de Gea and Juan Mata indulging in a game of table tennis at the One&Only Royal Mirage resort where they are staying this week.

He also posted this image of the him joined by the pair, plus defender Eric Bailly and goalkeeper coach Emilio Alvarez.

United arrived on Sunday after their 2-0 FA Cup victory over Reading. They are expected to stay for four days to work on their fitness ahead of their Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on January 13 at Wembley Stadium.

One player who was absent from the beginning of the trip was Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman sustained a minor injury against Newcastle United last week and has stayed back in England for treatment.

The club said he would join his teammates in Dubai "soon".

Dubai is a favourite location for European clubs during the winter months, with various Premier League sides visiting for fitness and rehabilitation in recent years.

United undertook a similar trip last year when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

_____________

Read more:

Here's what Cristiano Ronaldo's fiancee Georgina Rodriguez has been up to in Dubai

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo goes for a night time run in the Dubai desert

Wayne Rooney arrested for public intoxication in Washington